Multilayer ultra-high gradient insulator technology

The authors investigate a novel insulator concept which involves the use of alternating layers of conductors and insulators with periods less than 1 mm. These structures perform many times better (about 1.5 to 4 times higher breakdown electric field) than conventional insulators in long pulse, short pulse and alternating polarity applications. They present their ongoing studies investigating the degradation of the breakdown electric field resulting from surface roughness, the effect of gas pressure and the performance of the insulator structure under bipolar stress. Further, they present their initial modeling studies.